Sustainability, commitment to excellent service, a people-first approach, and giving back have always been the way forward for Andron Facilities Management. Our recently appointed CEO, Cheryl Stewart, was featured in FM Director magazine, where she shared her plans for the company.
From humble beginnings to industry leader
Andron’s origins are rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders. Established in Aberdeen in 1980 by father and son Ron Stewart Snr and Ron Stewart Jnr, the pair sought to create something unique after facing redundancy. Starting with carpet cleaning, they quickly expanded into office cleaning and then into the retail sector, gaining widespread recognition for their high standards and dedication to quality. Today, Andron has grown into a £70 million business with 2,500 employees across the UK, still under the stewardship of the Stewart family.
New era, new leadership
In June 2024, Cheryl Stewart, daughter of Ron Jnr, became CEO of Andron, continuing the family’s legacy. Having been with the company since 2015 as Sales Director, Cheryl emphasised the importance of Andron’s family-owned status, which she believes differentiates the company in the facilities management sector. “Family is central to our culture, and staying true to that sets us apart.” She highlighted how the personal touch of a family-run business helps build lasting client relationships, contrasting it with Andron’s competitors, who have been acquired by global firms.
The Andron strategy for client success
Andron’s strategy focuses on exceeding client expectations rather than just undercutting competitors to win contracts. “We don’t offer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ service; we look at each new contract with a fresh set of eyes and then design something that is fully bespoke and the best fit for that customer. People like that about us.” With client partnerships averaging 15 years, it’s clear Andron’s strategy has proven highly effective. Cheryl explained that the ability to adapt and anticipate clients’ evolving needs is key to Andron’s success. “We work so closely with our customers that we inherently understand their changing requirements. As portfolios and needs evolve, we’re able to anticipate and implement changes proactively, without waiting for a tender to come around. We’re always at the forefront of innovation, consistently adding value to our contracts.”
Tailored ESG strategies and efficient reporting
Another key part of Cheryl’s strategy is enhancing the efficiency of sustainability reporting. Building-specific ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting is increasingly becoming a priority for our clients as they strive to meet their ESG goals. To support this, Andron customises an ESG strategy for each client, tailored to their unique needs and priorities.
We like to ensure that everything we’re bringing into our customers’ buildings is sustainable,” says Cheryl. “We’re always looking at more sustainable options, and we make sure that everything goes back to recycling after use.” To support this commitment, Andron collaborates with supply chain partners to enhance the reporting process. This allows them to provide detailed, building-level information on various sustainability issues. For example, they can report on the reduction in plastic use from switching to plastic-free solutions and track the carbon emissions associated with plastic products currently in use.
A people-first approach
Cheryl Stewart’s sustainability practices extend to Andron’s people-first culture, where 80% of contracts pay the Real Living Wage, and Andron’s staff benefits include virtual GP appointments, a four-day workweek, and annual awards. “If you look after your people, your people look after your customers. We’re also implementing a leadership development programme to retain our loyal employees and prepare for future expansion. Our goal is to keep our talented team and ensure we’re ready for the growth ahead.”
Commitment to community
Andron also upholds a strong legacy of giving back, donating 1-2% of annual profits to local charities and community projects. Cheryl is particularly proud of Andron’s employability programme, Inclusive Futures, which supports people from disadvantaged backgrounds. By partnering with charities such as Drive Forward and Tent UK, the programme helps the homeless and refugees find employment.
The initiative originated from Cheryl’s volunteering during the pandemic, where she saw firsthand how business closures, such as cafés, led to homelessness. Moved by this experience, Cheryl offered one of the displaced workers a job as a cleaner at one of the banks Andron helped manage, which remained open as an essential service. Fast-forward to 2024, and eighteen people have successfully completed the programme, with remarkable results.
“Being able to provide meaningful employment and changing people’s lives by giving them an opportunity that they wouldn’t otherwise have had is something really special.”
A bright future ahead
With a solid foundation, a forward-thinking CEO, and a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and social responsibility, Andron is set for continued success, with recent high-profile contracts such as the Crown Estate in London highlighting their growth.
Want more?
If you like what you’ve heard so far, we invite you to explore our website. Discover more about our other client success stories, check out our blog for insights and updates, visit our news section for the latest company developments, or get in touch to discover how we can help manage your facility. You can also delve further into our commitment to sustainability.